Rosie Burgin

Editor

Volume and value of Taiwanese e-bike imports into the EU take significant dip in the first nine months of 2024. – Photo Bike Europe

EU e-bike imports drop 28% in first 9 months of 2024

ZEIST, The Netherlands - Imports of e-bikes into the EU reached almost 200,000 units in Q3 of 2024, almost matching the same volume of Q3 in 2023. Although there were signs of market recovery with an increase in e-bikes entering EU shores in Q2, the overall year-on-year decrease in the first nine months of 2024 is 28% compared to 2023. Perhaps more important, this is not counteracted by a higher import value.

In 2023, more than 301,000 bicycles were manufactured in Spain, doubling the 2019 figures in turnover. - Photo Shutterstock

Bicycle production in Spain rebounds in October

MADRID, Spain - Bicycle production in Spain rebounded again in October with 25,400 bicycles produced for a value of €18.2 million. Compared to the same month of the previous year, this is a growth of 23.3% in units and 16.7% in turnover, according to data published by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.

All Stella stores in the Benelux will remain closed until March 1st 2025. – Photo Tweewieler

Dutch investors acquire bankrupt e-bike brand Stella

NUNSPEET, The Netherlands - The future of a former market leader for e-bikes in the Netherlands, Stella, has been secured. Dutch investment company Scheybeeck and chain store owner Ilias Salhi have announced a relaunch of the recently bankrupt e-bike manufacturer albeit in a downsized form.

In its latest step towards greener cycling, Herrmans Bike Components has transitioned three of its chainguard models to using 100% recycled ABS plastic. – Photo Herrmans Bike Components

Herrmans continues to decarbonise its portfolio with 100% recycled...

JAKOBSTAD, Finland - European component manufacturer, Herrmans Bike Components continues to expand its sustainable product portfolio. The latest addition sees three of its existing chainguard models transition to using 100% recycled ABS plastic.

The survey aims to find out how the anti-dumping duties on Chinese components have presented challenges for many European manufacturers and assemblers. - Photo Shutterstock

European e-bike industry invited to participate in anti-dumping survey

GENT, Belgium - Trade association LEVA-EU is inviting e-bike manufacturers and assemblers across Europe to participate in a newly launched survey. The survey is designed to gather insights on the impact of European anti-dumping duties on bicycle components imported from China, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of how these tariffs affect the industry's competitiveness, business operations, and market growth.

Wilier's goal is to strengthen its presence in China, which is becoming a dynamic and fast-growing market in the race segment. – Photo Wilier Triestina

Wilier Triestina expands in Asia to capitalise on growth in race...

ROSSANO VENETO, Italy - Performance brand Wilier Triestina is adding to its expansion strategy in the Asian market. Youn Live, a Taiwanese company with which Wilier has worked for many years as a client and which was fully acquired in 2021, is being transformed into a strategic and logistical hub, becoming the centre of the brand's development in Asia and Oceania.

Stella enjoyed a successful introduction in the early days of the e-bike market in the Netherlands. – Photo Stella

Stella eyes restart as e-bike brand is declared bankrupt

NUNSPEET, The Netherlands - Dutch e-bike brand Stella has been declared bankrupt, the appointed administrator Frans van Oss has confirmed. Coming quicker than expected, the bankruptcy follows the request for a delay in payments last week. Now all eyes are on a possible restart of the financially troubled e-bike manufacturer.

In recent years, Stella had already been forced to close some of its stores and reduce its workforce at the headquarters in the Netherlands. – Photo Stella

Dutch e-bike brand Stella forced to delay payments as losses mount

NUNSPEET, The Netherlands - Once claiming to be market leader in the Netherlands, e-bike brand Stella is on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite repeated financial injections from its owner DMEP, the manufacturer has now filed for a payment extension. According to DMEP, Stella can no longer achieve sustainable profitability in its current form and requires a "substantial" capital injection.

Alongside the expo and test track, visitors were also treated to a jam-packed programme discussing topics relevant to cargo bikes, with panels and speakers drawn from across the globe, plus several side-events. - Photo Sanne Paul

ICBF brings cargobike industry together in Utrecht

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - With the introduction of zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025, developments in the cargobike field are more relevant than ever. This was the message at the 2024 edition of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) which took place in Utrecht, the Netherlands on 25 and 26 October. With a mix of expo and conference programme the event is fully developing into something relevant for all stakeholders in the cargo bike business.

UK bicycle retailer Halfords recently expanded its premium selection within the Boardman, Voodoo and Carrera ranges. – Photo Halfords

Weather and market conditions continue to challenge Halfords

REDDITCH, England - With a current strategy of "controlling the controllables," the UK's largest bicycle retailer Halfords continues to face challenging conditions. With poor weather conditions in spring and summer affecting sales, the retailer failed to meet pre-COVID sales levels in its cycling department in the first 26 weeks of the current financial year which started 1 April.